UV hair protector

ABSTRACT

A device intended for use in indoor tanning facilities that would block UV light from penetrating the hair shaft, thus preventing damage that would otherwise occur within the living fiber known as the hair as a result of UV radiation. This damage is characterized by: disruption of the moisture balance, altered cohesion system, distorted color, damage to the DNA structure, rough texture, and overall dull, unhealthy appearance of the hair. A device intended for use in indoor tanning facilities that would block UV light from penetrating the hair shaft, thus preventing damage that would otherwise occur within the living fiber known as the hair as a result of UV radiation. This damage is characterized by: disruption of the moisture balance, altered cohesion system, distorted color, damage to the DNA structure, rough texture, and overall dull, unhealthy appearance of the hair.

REFERENCES

[0001] U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,089, DePolo, issued Jun. 7, 1983.

[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,387, Kubler et al, issued Nov. 7, 2000.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,000, Luther et al., issued Mar. 13, 2001.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,854, Robinson, issued May 1, 2001.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,989528, Tanner et al., issued Nov. 13, 1999.

[0006] www.herbforhair.com

[0007] DeSimone, “Sunscreen and Suntan Products,” Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, 7th Ed., Chapter 26, pp. 499-511 (American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington, D.C.; 1982).

[0008] Grove and Forbes, “A Method for Evaluating the Photoprotection Action of Sunscreen Agents Against UV-A Radiation,” International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 4, pp. 15-24 (1982).

BACKGROUND

[0009] It is well known that exposure to sunlight and other UV sources can pose a number of hazards to the surfaces it comes in contact with; the skin, the eyes and even the living hair. It is in fact common knowledge that UV radiation having a wavelength of 285 to 400 nm causes or accelerates a very wide range of skin damages in humans, for example erythemas, accelerated skin ageing, phototoxic and photoallergic reactions and the like. Exposure of skin to ultraviolet (or ionizing) radiation damages DNA, which if unrepaired or improperly repaired, can lead to carcinogenesis as well as contribute to acceleration of the aging process.

[0010] These damaging effects are indeed a dangerous result of our love for sunbathing, the sunlight exposure associated with daily outdoor activities, as well as the use of indoor tanning facilities. The most commonly known short term risk of prolonged exposure to sunlight is erythema, or sunburn, which results from UVB radiation consisting of wavelengths from about 290-320nm. Regular long term exposure, however, is linked to the occurrence of malignant changes in the surface of the skin. Numerous epidemiologic studies demonstrate a strong relationship between sunlight exposure and skin cancer in humans. Another long term hazard of ultraviolet radiation is premature aging of the skin, which is primarily caused by UVA radiation having a wavelength of anywhere from 320 to about 400 nm. This condition is characterized by physical changes such as wrinkling and pigment changes, cracking of the skin, telangiectasis, solar dermatoses, ecchymoses, and loss of elasticity. These adverse effects associated with exposure to UV radiation are discussed in greater detail in DeSimone, “Sunscreen and Suntan Products,” Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, 7th Ed., Chapter 26, pp. 499-511 (American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington, D.C.; 1982); Grove and Forbes, “A Method for Evaluating the Photoprotection Action of Sunscreen Agents Against UV-A Radiation,” International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 4, pp. 15-24 (1982); and U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,089, DePolo, issued Jun. 7, 1983.

[0011] If human hair is exposed to UV radiation over a prolonged period of time, it may be damaged in different ways. Under the influence of UV light, dyed hair can change its color and shade. Blond hair will turn yellowish. The surface of this organ becomes rougher and at the same time drier. Furthermore, the hair gradually loses its sheen. The hair's appearance, color and sheen are synonymous with beauty and health, but also obviously reflect the quality of the hair. It is therefore essential to maintain an intact external protective sheath in order to prevent damage from occurring. The surface squames must remain perfectly contiguous in order to prevent aggressive agents from altering the squame-protein-lipid cohesion system and to prevent free access, after detachment, and penetration into the heart of the hair (www.herbforhair.com).

[0012] UV light penetrates the living fiber that is known as the hair, which arises from an exchange of biological messages between the dermis and epidermis, disrupts the moisture balance, and generates singlet oxygen and hydroxyl free radicals. This process causes severe and irreversible damage to cellular proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, thus causing an “unhealthy appearance” and an altered hair structure.

SUMMARY

[0013] As a result of the abovementioned hazards associated with UV light exposure, the general public's interest in the sun protection product market has grown significantly. While scientists work on ways to repair this damage, the best possible defense we have is prevention. It is never too late to start protecting your skin, eyes, and hair from UV damage.

[0014] The goal of this invention is to protect the hair, as a living fiber, from UV damage that occurs from the use of indoor tanning facilities. There is no such product available on the market today. It is common knowledge that UV rays damage our skin, hair, eyes, and nails. To protect our skin there are not only sunscreen products for sunbathing but there are also a variety of personal care products containing sunscreens, particularly cosmetic products which are worn daily. There are great products available to protect the eyes as well, such as sunglasses which are widely used and goggles that are manditorily worn when utilizing indoor tanning beds. Other than sprays that alter one's hairstyle, are unhandy, and only prevent SOME of the damage, our hair is left unprotected. The damage done is not only severe but irreversible. Chemical compounds in the form of cosmetic formulations recommending themselves for the topical protection of human skin and of the hair surface only reduce the abovementioned harmful effects of UV radiation. This product would block the UV rays, therefore preventing them from reaching and causing damage to the hair, and without altering/hindering the rest of the indoor tanning experience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] This product would be a cap-like structure, made of a tightly woven material (the tighter the material the greater it's ability to block UV radiation), which would prevent the penetration of UV rays into the external protective sheath of the hair shaft thus protecting the hair from harmful UV damage. The best material would be selected which would offer the highest blockage of UV radiation, and then a cap would be constructed that would be placed loosely over the hair (to allow one to maintain hair style and comfort), yet tight along the hairline of the individual. An elastic band sewn into the hem of the tightly woven material and a Velcro closure at the base of the neck would allow for a comfortable, yet tight fit around each individuals head, easy removal, and proper placement of the cap. 

1. It is claimed that by wearing this protective cap, made of a tightly woven material placed over the hair (along the hairline), while using indoor tanning facilities, one will prevent irreversible damage to the hair that would normally occur as a result of UV light penetration.
 2. It is claimed that the use of a cap made of tightly woven material, along with proper placement and fitting of the cap (with the hair completely covered) will block and prevent UV light from penetrating the hair shaft rather than simply reducing the amount of exposure/damage to the living fiber, as proposed by other methods (spray on cosmetics). 